So, there was a subject group meeting on Friday 12th February which was the first opportunity for colleagues to hear and read in detail about the new module that I have written.
Colleagues were complimentary about the module and provided some valuable constructive criticism and concerns around practical issues e.g. using social networking sites to facilitate social discussions, the nature of employee contracts, students who are not selected to do the module, how it operates as a long thin module when other modules are short and fat - this would lead to 3 assessments in Semester 1 and 5 in Semester 2. However, generally, colleagues could see what I am trying to achieve and were in agreement that it would address needs on both students' and employers' sides which ultimately should be favourable for the student experience and their learning.
The next stage is for the module spec to be referred to FOG. It was commented just how much detail is in the module spec but there was also a recognition that it was appropriate given the new innovative nature of the module.
A colleague who I also consider as a friend was very vocal in acknowledgement that I have a tendancy to take a lot on and that my profile should be amended accordingly if the module does run in September 2010.
Very, very excited about getting the module designed in X-Stream now - the next stage is to meet with some of the learning technologists and Jill Taylor next week to (hopefully) secure the PDAs needed for the module.
I am organising a business networking event where I will invite local businesses who are interested in knowing more about the module and being involved in designing learning activities and assessment to an event in mid-March. I therefore hope to have a list of x5 employers comitted to the module and other employers who would like to be involved moving forward by April.
I have already forged some contacts through various networks and hope to widen the net as I attend the HEA work based learning conference on 16th and 17th March.
I will be attending an activity week to speak with Level 2 business students about the module and will have a sense of who is interested. I need to start thinking about how I am going to capture data for the research aspect of the module and it will be very interesting to identify why students choose to do this module...
Anyway, I am getting ahead of myself again! For now I have to focus on securing the PDAs and identifying employers who are going to commit to the module! Watch this space!
Sunday, 14 February 2010
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Work based mobile learning module - meeting with Christine Daley (BA Business Course leader)
Met with Christine Daley yesterday which was great - she is very enthusiastic about the module and I have now decided I am going to pilot the module with c20 of her Level 2 students. I think business studies students is a great cohort to pilot on as they cover a wide breadth of module e.g finance, marketing, PR, business and will be better suited to engage with a general business problem covering a wide span of technical areas.
I am encouraged by a response from Jill Taylor and Catherine Coates about the availability of some web enabled PDAs which if they come off this time will be a big pressure relieved! I am still trying to access funding to support the project and looking to hold a business event where I will invite interested parties to come and discuss the module and put themselves forward to be mentors.
I am putting the fininishing touches to the module specification for Level 2 for review at next week's subject board and am encouraged by feedback from students on the PUPPS pilot who have been praising PebblePad and the use of their PDAs for biographical learning.
My next step is to review business placement requirements, employers offering them and once the module has been approved (fingers crossed) and PDAs sorted (everything crossed) start to design the module with employers and create the virtual workplace in X-Stream.
I need to find out about existing employer profiles etc which can be embedded in virtual workplaces and using some of the great videos and Metcasts for the university gateway to the virtual workplace(s)
Exciting times - feel like stuff is actually starting to happen!
I am encouraged by a response from Jill Taylor and Catherine Coates about the availability of some web enabled PDAs which if they come off this time will be a big pressure relieved! I am still trying to access funding to support the project and looking to hold a business event where I will invite interested parties to come and discuss the module and put themselves forward to be mentors.
I am putting the fininishing touches to the module specification for Level 2 for review at next week's subject board and am encouraged by feedback from students on the PUPPS pilot who have been praising PebblePad and the use of their PDAs for biographical learning.
My next step is to review business placement requirements, employers offering them and once the module has been approved (fingers crossed) and PDAs sorted (everything crossed) start to design the module with employers and create the virtual workplace in X-Stream.
I need to find out about existing employer profiles etc which can be embedded in virtual workplaces and using some of the great videos and Metcasts for the university gateway to the virtual workplace(s)
Exciting times - feel like stuff is actually starting to happen!
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Meeting with Marie-Paule Sheard
Had an interesting meeting yesterday with Marie-Paule who is interested in running the module as a pilot for the MBA in September.
There has been lots of interest from lots of different parties and I am conscious that I dont want to lose control and have the module grow and be rolled out too quickly.
Consequently, I have decided that I will run it as a Level M and Level 2 module in the first year of pilot. I am going to meet with Christine Daley who is very interested in offering it to Level 2 business students and will offer it to MBA students - if discussions between Marie-Paule and the course leader prove successful.
I am going to comprise a list of competencies which will develop into learning outcomes on discussion with employers. My next step is to launch an employer event where I will discuss with employers involved in recruitment of placement students/graduates what they are looking for in terms of capabilities and personal qualities of students which will be reflected in the newly framed learning outcomes. I will also seek commitment from some to mentor students during the module.
After the pilot - I will consider the appropriateness of the module for other Levels and across the Faculty - my immediate issue is one of cost for the PDA units and I will do some research as to whether I can get students to contribute to the cost of the units through their fees or receive some units from a budget or apply for some funds.
Watch this space!
There has been lots of interest from lots of different parties and I am conscious that I dont want to lose control and have the module grow and be rolled out too quickly.
Consequently, I have decided that I will run it as a Level M and Level 2 module in the first year of pilot. I am going to meet with Christine Daley who is very interested in offering it to Level 2 business students and will offer it to MBA students - if discussions between Marie-Paule and the course leader prove successful.
I am going to comprise a list of competencies which will develop into learning outcomes on discussion with employers. My next step is to launch an employer event where I will discuss with employers involved in recruitment of placement students/graduates what they are looking for in terms of capabilities and personal qualities of students which will be reflected in the newly framed learning outcomes. I will also seek commitment from some to mentor students during the module.
After the pilot - I will consider the appropriateness of the module for other Levels and across the Faculty - my immediate issue is one of cost for the PDA units and I will do some research as to whether I can get students to contribute to the cost of the units through their fees or receive some units from a budget or apply for some funds.
Watch this space!
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Meeting with Jeff Gold - Friday 29th January 2010
On Friday 29th I met with Jeff Gold and Michael Cuthbert from Wakfield college (Lifelong learning network) to discuss the module.
They were very helpful and Michael has expressed an interest to be in involved, explaining that others within the employer network would be interested too.
I have decided upon offering the module as an alternative to PACE (if I am allowed) as suggested by a few colleagues in the university.
I think it would offer a good foundation/platform for students who are unable to go on work placement.
I have a meeting with Christine Daley and Marie-Paule Sheard to discuss the module - I have little time to pick up on this but am hoping now marking and module leader reports will be finished tomorrow to get back on it
Trying to frame some workable learning outcomes, but anticipate that these will be shaped by involvement with employers in the next coming weeks.
They were very helpful and Michael has expressed an interest to be in involved, explaining that others within the employer network would be interested too.
I have decided upon offering the module as an alternative to PACE (if I am allowed) as suggested by a few colleagues in the university.
I think it would offer a good foundation/platform for students who are unable to go on work placement.
I have a meeting with Christine Daley and Marie-Paule Sheard to discuss the module - I have little time to pick up on this but am hoping now marking and module leader reports will be finished tomorrow to get back on it
Trying to frame some workable learning outcomes, but anticipate that these will be shaped by involvement with employers in the next coming weeks.
Thursday, 21 January 2010
Reflections of meeting on 21.01.10
OK - well had the first meeting to discuss the module today and it was very informative and useful. Lots of discussion, issues raised - emphasis on learning outcomes and aligning the provision of the module with existing module but ensuring that there is little risk of "double-counting" activities that count toward Leeds Met Plus, exemptions etc
Some important debate about the emphasis on soft skills - teamworking, communication, self-reflective practice etc and technical skills - more closely linked to academic knowledge and competencies. The biggest challenge that I face is framing workable learning outcomes that are framed so that they lend themselves to activities where students really develop employability skills. In my view key employability skills are personal and professional - students must engage in activities that recognise the value of both and in which they are required to evidence their development in both.
It is going to be crucial to get employers etc involved at an early stage and come up with some genuine scaleable, student centred "projects" for students to engage in. Coupled with this is the need for the correct technology to be used in order to support and evidence the development of these skills - Importantly, the technology will act as a communication device - where information is pulled from and pushed to students e.g. push out activities do complete and reflect on via the mobile device and use the device to access the social learning spaces, communicate with employers/mentors other students within the teams etc
I think at this stage there are important issues about particpation, equity and then of course support - I think that it is better to create equity in providing units that students can use in different ways but have the same opportunities- the reason I like PDAs as apposed to laptops is that some of the learning activities will require students to create assets/artefacts outside the virtual workplace and I would like to see to what extent learning outside the workplace and classroom is deemed relevant to key skills and reflections of learning experiences in the workplace - one of the skills I would like to develop is citizenship and one week I would like students to organise a charity event which they have to publicise and promote and evidence the day, reflections of attendees, actionplans associated with the event etc - a PDA allows students to do all of this on the day, pull everything together and upload everything into PebblePad as the day progresses - the purpose of this event will be to develop citizenship skills, team working, organisation skills, reflective practice etc
OK - well to summarise the emphasis would be on biographical learning but to evidence development of personal and professional skills using an e-portfolio.
So - now I have to think of some learning outcomes and where the module is going to sit.
Some important debate about the emphasis on soft skills - teamworking, communication, self-reflective practice etc and technical skills - more closely linked to academic knowledge and competencies. The biggest challenge that I face is framing workable learning outcomes that are framed so that they lend themselves to activities where students really develop employability skills. In my view key employability skills are personal and professional - students must engage in activities that recognise the value of both and in which they are required to evidence their development in both.
It is going to be crucial to get employers etc involved at an early stage and come up with some genuine scaleable, student centred "projects" for students to engage in. Coupled with this is the need for the correct technology to be used in order to support and evidence the development of these skills - Importantly, the technology will act as a communication device - where information is pulled from and pushed to students e.g. push out activities do complete and reflect on via the mobile device and use the device to access the social learning spaces, communicate with employers/mentors other students within the teams etc
I think at this stage there are important issues about particpation, equity and then of course support - I think that it is better to create equity in providing units that students can use in different ways but have the same opportunities- the reason I like PDAs as apposed to laptops is that some of the learning activities will require students to create assets/artefacts outside the virtual workplace and I would like to see to what extent learning outside the workplace and classroom is deemed relevant to key skills and reflections of learning experiences in the workplace - one of the skills I would like to develop is citizenship and one week I would like students to organise a charity event which they have to publicise and promote and evidence the day, reflections of attendees, actionplans associated with the event etc - a PDA allows students to do all of this on the day, pull everything together and upload everything into PebblePad as the day progresses - the purpose of this event will be to develop citizenship skills, team working, organisation skills, reflective practice etc
OK - well to summarise the emphasis would be on biographical learning but to evidence development of personal and professional skills using an e-portfolio.
So - now I have to think of some learning outcomes and where the module is going to sit.
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
Work based mobile learning module
OK - hi everyone, this is the first posting of the blog relating to the new module to be piloted in September 2010 - Work based mobile learning - I am looking to develop this module with help from course leaders, placements office, employability staff, module tutors, students etc Importantly, the module will be designed and delivered in partnership with local partners and employers.
There are several reasons why I have decided to do this module which I will go into in the first meeting on 21st January 2010 (2.30 - 4.00) RB522- However, it is very timely given Lord Mandelson's speech earlier this year in the BIS Report (2009) Higher Ambitions - there is currently an emphasis on work based learning as an alternative model of learning and a real emphasis on upskilling workforces, developing employability skills of students etc Although this may be considered as "trendy", I believe that it is a genuine challenge for Universities - particularly a largely vocational Universities such as Leeds Met.
I have a love of technology and an even greater passion for finding innovative ways to engage students with learning. I know there are sceptics about the use of technology to enhance learning but I make no apologies for trying to use technology effectively to achieve effective innovative learning delivery.
In a nutshell - I am trying to create a module that will provide a real opportunity to work with partners, local employers etc to create a module that is fit for purpose - that purpose is to develop employability, citzenship and enterprise skills that employers want and need. My aim is to underpin purpose with key learning outcomes and competencies that reflect professional and/or technical skills (as set by professional awarding bodies and other modules) and ensure that this module fits within a course context and is not seen as a standalone module.
The poposed assessment for learning is two part - an e-portfolio using PebblePad and a report and Presentation;
Speaking of e-portfolios - I came across a really interesting link on the ELESIG website http://ncepr.org/ - national collation for electronic portfolio research. These are American studies but still have some relevance.
http://ncepr.org/connectionsJul08.pdf- has some stuff on PebblePad as an e-portfolio system and its uses.
What I am trying to do is visually represented here:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/25428024
This blog is an opportunity for any interested party to leave comment, raise issues, provide information etc that will help me to effectively design and deliver the module for September 2010
There are several reasons why I have decided to do this module which I will go into in the first meeting on 21st January 2010 (2.30 - 4.00) RB522- However, it is very timely given Lord Mandelson's speech earlier this year in the BIS Report (2009) Higher Ambitions - there is currently an emphasis on work based learning as an alternative model of learning and a real emphasis on upskilling workforces, developing employability skills of students etc Although this may be considered as "trendy", I believe that it is a genuine challenge for Universities - particularly a largely vocational Universities such as Leeds Met.
I have a love of technology and an even greater passion for finding innovative ways to engage students with learning. I know there are sceptics about the use of technology to enhance learning but I make no apologies for trying to use technology effectively to achieve effective innovative learning delivery.
In a nutshell - I am trying to create a module that will provide a real opportunity to work with partners, local employers etc to create a module that is fit for purpose - that purpose is to develop employability, citzenship and enterprise skills that employers want and need. My aim is to underpin purpose with key learning outcomes and competencies that reflect professional and/or technical skills (as set by professional awarding bodies and other modules) and ensure that this module fits within a course context and is not seen as a standalone module.
The poposed assessment for learning is two part - an e-portfolio using PebblePad and a report and Presentation;
Speaking of e-portfolios - I came across a really interesting link on the ELESIG website http://ncepr.org/ - national collation for electronic portfolio research. These are American studies but still have some relevance.
http://ncepr.org/connectionsJul08.pdf- has some stuff on PebblePad as an e-portfolio system and its uses.
What I am trying to do is visually represented here:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/25428024
This blog is an opportunity for any interested party to leave comment, raise issues, provide information etc that will help me to effectively design and deliver the module for September 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
